McIntosh Labs
Product Description
Maximum Control and Configurability.
The C12000 Preamplifier is the next generation of our acclaimed two-chassis preamplifier design. The two-chassis design allows the audio section to be completely separated from the control and power sections. The absolute isolation of a preamplifier's two main functions – control and sound – is achieved by this unusual but effective design. Splitting these primary purposes of a preamplifier up into separate chassis will deliver the purest sound reproduction possible.
The C12000 is comprised of the C12000 Controller module and the C12000 Preamplifier module. All power control, data ports, and external control connections are located in the C12000 Controller. Dual isolated power supplies drive the left and right channels, while a dual microprocessor gives robustness to the control system. The C12000 Preamplifier houses the audio connections and circuitry. Inside each, the left and right channels are electrically and mechanically isolated from each other to allow true dual mono operation - resulting in the ultimate stereo separation and sonic purity. The two units are connected together via a pair of specially designed, high performance umbilical cables that are shielded to prevent outside noise from leaking into the audio signal. Although they are two separate units, when connected they act as one and are easy to control and operate from the included remote control or the C12000 Controller front panel.
A total of 12 analog inputs1 are located in the C12000 Preamplifier module: six balanced, four unbalanced, and two unbalanced phono inputs. The phono inputs are no longer set up as dedicated for Moving Coil or Moving Magnet cartridges; instead, both are configurable as either Moving Coil or Moving Magnet with adjustable Capacitance and Resistance Loading, along with adjustable Gain in 6dB steps from 40dB to 64dB. This provides maximum flexibility for you to configure the C12000 to best fit your turntable(s), cartridge(s), and vinyl record collection.
The 12AX7A and 12AT7 vacuum tubes that power the high-level section are visible through the front of the C12000 Preamplifier module.
The C12000 Preamplifier module offers both vacuum tube and solid-state output, allowing you to decide which to use based on the music being played, the audio components in the rest of your home audio system, and your sound preferences. All outputs are driven by discrete amplifiers. For vacuum tube output, six tubes or valves power the high-level preamplifier section with two 12AT7 tubes and one 12AX7A tube assigned to each the left and right channel. Solid-state output is via a discrete balanced op-amp.
The four 12AX7A vacuum tubes that power the phono stage are visible from the top of the C12000 Preamplifier module.
Regardless if you choose the vacuum tube or solid-state output, the phono stage utilizes four 12AX7A vacuum tubes, with two tubes used per channel in a fully balanced configuration that incorporates RIAA equalization.
For connecting the C12000 to your amplifier(s) and the rest of your home music system, there are four total outputs: one balanced vacuum tube; one balanced solid-state; one fixed unbalanced; and one programmable unbalanced (can be either vacuum tube or solid-state). The amount of user adjustments available on the two phono inputs and all the outputs represent a new level of customization in McIntosh preamplifier design, allowing you maximum flexibility in how you want to configure your audio system.
The amplifier circuit has a high common mode rejection, so any noise introduced by interconnect cables is significantly reduced. For personal listening, our high output High Drive headphone jack is included, while the user selectable Headphone Crossfeed Director (HXD®) brings an added depth and spatiality to your music. The C12000 can be seamlessly integrated into your existing multi-channel home theater system via the Home Theater Pass Through feature.
The C12000 preamplifier employs fully balanced circuitry to match the level of performance achieved in any of our Quad Balanced amplifiers. Both the C12000 Controller and C12000 Preamplifier chassis are made from stainless steel polished to a mirror finish plus hairline brushed black Titanium stainless steel, offering an enhanced degree of richness and refinement.
With classic McIntosh black glass front panels, blue meters, knobs, stainless steel chassis, illuminated logos, and custom machined brushed aluminum handles, the C12000 makes a visual statement in addition to its audio prowess. It can be paired with a variety of McIntosh amplifiers, speakers, room correction devices, CD players, turntables, tuners, media streamers and other source components to make a complete home audio system. Contact us at Liptons Audio Video to learn more.
1) The C12000 does not include a direct interface to the D1100 Digital Preamplifier.
Shipping
Processing/Shipping Time
All online orders are typically processed within 1-2 business days. Orders received after 1pm EST or on weekends will be processed on the next business day.
Our business hours are Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm EST.
Due to our inventory management practices, we do not maintain a large stock of products; instead, most items are sourced from our suppliers upon order. We do focus on having a broad selection of brands and models for in store demo purposes. This may impact shipping times, as items are procured and prepared for shipment as soon as possible. If your item is not in stock, we will send you an email to update you on the status of your order. We appreciate your understanding and patience.
- Standard Delivery for in stock items is between 2-3 business days within Ontario & Quebec, 3-5 business days for Eastern Canada and 4-7 business days for Western Canada. Northern or remote Canadian customers should contact us to confirm shipping availability and costs. During peak sales periods (for example Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Boxing Day/Week) up to an additional 5 (five) business days may be needed.
- Items not in stock will be shipped to our Newmarket store and then shipped to you. Turnaround time may depend on the manufacturer/distributor. If a manufacturer or distributor has stock of the item, then we can normally expect to receive the product within 10 business days at which point we will immediately ship it to you.
- If we become aware that delivery time to you will exceed 16 business days we will contact you to confirm the order or review options.
RETURNS, EXCHANGES & WARRANTY CLAIMS
If your product is damaged, defective, or dead on arrival you are eligible for a refund or exchange within 15 days of the product being delivered to you.
If you are not satisfied with your purchase and would like to request an exchange, please note the following:
- All returns and exchanges will only be accepted on products with no damage due to misuse and have all original packaging, accessories, manuals and the original sales receipt.
- Refunds paid by credit card/PayPal will be returned in the same method payment was received when possible. Wire Transfer payments will be refunded in the form of company check or E-Transfer. For exchanges with a difference in value, the balance will be charged or refunded in the same method as the original payment was received.
- Liptons Audio Video reserves the right to assess whether the product is defective or not. Products with physical damage will not be accepted for refund or exchange.
- Exchanges will be offered only on non-special order items with return shipping at the buyer's expense and must be shipped with insurance reflecting the transaction value and must ship via a trackable courier/delivery company. Exchanges will only apply to unopened products received in new condition
- Products with non matching serial numbers to either the packaging or the recorded Serial number associated with the transaction are not eligible for refunds or exchanges
- Products with modified or missing serial numbers/UPC codes or other identifying information are not eligible for refunds or exchanges
- Products that are not returned with all original packaging, equipment, accessories, manuals and software will not be refunded or will be charged a restocking fee at the discretion of Liptons Audio Video.
- Products must be new and show no signs of use. Any sign of use – Including installation, scratches or other signs of use such as physical marking, painted grills, screw holes, cut wires or similar would not be returnable
- Equipment sustaining damage from operation or misuse will be deferred to the manufacturer's warranty and replacement policies.
- Replaced items will be exchanged for the same model
- If a product you purchased from us proves to be defective within 15 days from purchase, we will replace it with an equivalent new unit at no charge. If the item is returned through shipping, the exchange will be processed once we receive the parcels & confirm that the product is not working. Exchange processing will take 10-20 business days from the day we receive the parcel.
Final Sale Items/Exclusions
- Special order items including cut to length cabling and custom furniture
- Headphones/earbuds/in-ear headphones for hygienic reasons
- Turntable cartridges/styli
- Projector lamps
- Installed in-ceiling, in-wall speakers or subwoofers
- No refunds or exchanges on products purchased for commercial use.
- Clearance, consignment items.
Online Order Returns/Exchanges Process
Please contact us to begin our online return process at info@liptons.ca. Once we have received the details about your order, we will generate a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number and send you the RMA form to be completed and sent back with the parcel.
Pack the item back in its original packaging with all parts, accessories and manuals. We recommend packing the item into an additional box meant for shipping. Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer. Any damages that incur during return shipping will also be the responsibility of the customer.
In the event the item was offered free shipping, the original shipping charges and handling fees, for the returned item(s), will be deducted from the refund. If the item is refused and returned to Liptons Audio Video without record of cause and evidence of damage any return freight costs will also be deducted from the refund.
In Store Returns & Exchanges
Returns on damaged, defective and DOA products, as well as exchanges can be made in store. Please note our store hours https://liptons.ca/pages/contact and be sure to bring your receipt or online order confirmation.
Product Warranty
All new products carry full manufacturer warranty which varies for each product category and manufacturer. Refer to the manufacturer’s warranty information for exact details.
Demo products come with either the full manufacturer warranty or the balance of manufacturer warranty unless otherwise specified.
Open Box products come with either the full manufacturer warranty or the balance of manufacturer warranty unless otherwise specified.
Used and Consignment pieces will have individually specified warranty. If no warranty is listed, no warranty is available, but the unit has been tested in store and determined to be working properly unless otherwise specified.
Installation Warranty
All Liptons Audio Video installations come with a one-year warranty against workmanship performed by us. Defective equipment covered under manufacturer warranty is subject to a removal and reinstallation charge of one hour at our current installation rates. Installation warranty claims can be made within one year of installation date by phone at 905-898-7133 or email at info@liptons.ca
If you have any questions or concerns regarding product returns, exchanges and warranty claims, please call is at 905-898-7133 or email info@liptons.ca
